Lawmakers Investigate Caribbean ‘Kill Order’ Claims

US lawmakers are demanding urgent answers from the Trump administration. This follows serious allegations regarding military strikes on suspected drug smuggling vessels.

Specifically, reports suggest that military forces received orders to launch secondary strikes. These strikes allegedly aimed to kill survivors of initial attacks.

Republican-led committees in both the House and Senate have promised “vigorous oversight.” They are investigating American military conduct in the Caribbean.

The inquiry centers on claims that a recent operation left survivors clinging to wreckage. Allegedly, a second strike was then ordered to comply with a verbal directive from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to “kill everybody.”

Administration Denials and Support

Defense Secretary Hegseth has forcefully rejected these allegations. He described the claims as fabricated and inflammatory. Furthermore, he maintained that every operation was lawful. He asserted that the targets had ties to designated terrorist organizations.

President Donald Trump has publicly backed his Defense Secretary. He stated that he believes Hegseth “100 percent.” However, the President clarified that the administration would look into the matter. He acknowledged that authorizing a second strike to eliminate survivors would be unacceptable.

Escalating Campaign in the Caribbean

This controversy arises amid a significant expansion of US military activity. Since early September, the US has intensified lethal operations against suspected narcotics vessels.

These operations occur in international waters off the coasts of Venezuela and Colombia. Consequently, they have resulted in more than 80 deaths.

The administration characterizes the situation as a non-international armed conflict. They argue that destroying boats carrying illicit drugs is a necessary act of self-defense.

Legal Concerns and Potential War Crimes

The allegations have triggered bipartisan alarm regarding the rules of engagement. Under the Geneva Conventions, targeting wounded participants is strictly forbidden. Instead, forces must apprehend and care for such individuals.

Lawmakers from both parties noted the severity of the situation. If reports of a follow-up strike are accurate, the action would constitute a severe violation of international law. It could potentially be a war crime.

Leading committee members emphasized that they do not yet have verification. However, they believe the implications warrant immediate investigation.

In response, the Senate Armed Services Committee released a statement. They confirmed that they have directed inquiries to the Department of Defense. They aim to determine the facts surrounding strikes in the Southern Command area.

International Tensions

Venezuela has sharply condemned the strikes. The Venezuelan National Assembly vowed to conduct a rigorous investigation. They accused the US of attempting to destabilize the region and topple the government.

President Trump confirmed that he recently held a phone call with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. However, he declined to characterize the tone of the conversation.

The operations also raise questions regarding maritime law. Generally, nations agree not to interfere with vessels in international waters. Legal experts warn that the current aggressive.